Tsipras-Stoltenberg phone contact - Kotzias-Bushati meeting in Korçë

By Spiros Sideris / Published on: 19-01-2018, Reuters

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who contacted the Greek premier in order to inform him about his recent visit to fYROMacedonia.

The Prime Minister welcomed NATO's Secretary General's statements regarding the fYROMacedonian name issue, stressing the importance of faithful adherence to the declaration of the Bucharest Summit.

During his two-day visit to fYROMacedonia, the Norwegian politician made it clear to the Skopje government that only by resolving the name issue could the country become a NATO member. "There is no 'plan B' for the country's entry into NATO, there is no way to join NATO if the name issue is not resolved," the NATO Secretary-General noted in his joint statements with Zoran Zaev.

Tsipras: Resolution of the issue with a commonly accepted, compound name, against everyone (who says otherwise)

Addressing the SYRIZA Central Committee, the Greek Prime Minister appeared determined to proceed with a solution regardless of political costs, if he eventually achieved an honest compromise, and attacked those supporting extreme positions or who prepare to take part in rallies.

Alexis Tsipras stressed that the Greek position is clear and one of responsibility. "We are decisively seeking to resolve the issue with a commonly accepted, compound name, and we oppose our adversaries... after the political shift in the neighbouring country, we see a government determined to take steps. But it remains to be seen in practice. We are looking for a name and a broader framework of agreement that leaves no room for irredentism or unrealistic claims."

Nikos Kotzias in Korçë

In the context of government policy to resolve Greece's disputes with neighbouring countries, Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias is, since Friday afternoon in Korçë, Albania, where there will be two-day contacts with his Albanian counterpart Ditmir Bushati and between officials of the two (Greek-Albanian) ministries. The meeting in Korçë was preceded by a meeting in Crete, in November 2017.

According to ΙΒΝΑ's sources, talks will revolve around bilateral differences that need to be solved and around the promotion of co-operation between the two states.../IBNA

Photo (Library): Alkis Konstantinidis / REUTERS